'We are using it as fuel'

Head coach Gregor Townsend was part of the last Scotland team to win in Paris, scoring in a stunning 36-22 win that set the Scots on course to the 1999 Five Nations title.

However, his side have been decimated by injuries. Fly-half Finn Russell is the latest to be sidelined, with WP Nel, John Barclay, Hamish Watson, Ryan Wilson, Huw Jones and Stuart Hogg among those out.

The lengthy injury list, coupled with defeat by Ireland last time out, has lowered expectations of a first Scottish win in France in 20 years.

However, Gilchrist says negativity will not be allowed to creep into the Scotland camp.

"We're using that as fuel for us. We're not a team that gets down in the dumps," said the Edinburgh second row.

"We base ourselves on energy. Energy comes from positivity and wanting to play, wanting to play quickly, wanting to defend, wanting to stay in the fight.

"It certainly would be a special thing for everyone who's going to Paris this weekend to win. We're going to work really hard to make it happen."